Rep. Beth Waldo

Maddy summaryHB 910 amends Mississippi Code Section 37-73-5 to allow eligible high school students to take dual credit courses at any participating Mississippi community college within the state, not just their local institution. This directly affects high school students seeking college-level coursework who face limited course options at their home community college. The key provision removes the restriction requiring students to attend a specific college, enabling enrollment at another participating community college if needed courses aren't available locally. The change aims to improve access to dual credit opportunities across Mississippi's public education system. (Bill: HB 910, Section 37-73-5)

Maddy summaryHB 1060 requires Mississippi public schools to notify parents or legal guardians in writing within three days if a student identifies at school with a gender, pronoun, or uses facilities that differs from their sex assigned at birth (as listed on their birth certificate or official records). It directly affects public school students in Mississippi, their parents/guardians, and school staff who would need to comply with the notification requirement. Key provisions include mandating written parental notification for gender/identity-related requests, prohibiting school discipline against staff who refuse to use preferred pronouns inconsistent with birth sex, and requiring parental written approval before using a student’s preferred pronoun. The bill, which died in committee on February 4, 2025, would have taken effect July 1, 2025, if enacted.

Maddy summaryHB 770 allows Mississippi counties and cities to issue emergency licenses to out-of-state contractors during declared emergencies. It directly affects contractors from other states who need temporary authorization to work on repairs or construction in emergency zones. To qualify, applicants must provide proof of a valid home-state license (not "grandfathered" licenses), a recent criminal background check, a bond ($15,000 for home builders, $5,000 for specialty contractors), and a $100 fee. These licenses are limited to one specific emergency event, capped at $100,000 per project for home builders and $35,000 for specialty contractors, and valid only within the declared emergency area and duration.

Maddy summaryHB 1119 (the "Representative Andy Stepp Pharmacy Benefit Prompt Pay Act") requires pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to reimburse pharmacies at least the National Average Drug Acquisition Cost (NADAC) for drugs plus a standard dispensing fee, ensuring pharmacies are paid fairly for medications. It prohibits PBMs from charging patients more than the amount retained by the pharmacy and bans PBMs from penalizing patients for choosing specific pharmacies or favoring certain pharmacies in networks. The bill also mandates clear appeal processes for pharmacies disputing low reimbursements and prohibits PBMs from retaliating against pharmacies for exercising rights under the law. These provisions directly affect PBMs, pharmacies, and patients in Mississippi by setting fair reimbursement standards and protecting patient choice.

Maddy summaryThis resolution expresses the Mississippi House of Representatives' support for Texas Governor Greg Abbott's efforts to address border security. The text frames the situation as an invasion and calls for the transport of undocumented individuals back across the border to Mexico. It does not create any new laws or alter federal policy but serves as a symbolic statement of solidarity with Texas. The bill was referred to a committee and did not advance further.